In battle there is nothing wrong with a person’s boasting before the enemy. For that reason, when confronting one’s foes it is lawful to walk with a proud swagger, to strut in one’s gait, even to set ostrich feathers on one’s turban and the like—anything that is regarded as a sign of pride—because such displays infuriate the enemy. And whatever angers the unbelievers earns you reward with Allah; even words that provoke and humble them become a source of honor and recompense for you with Allah.

That Ghifārī youth, then, would boast as he shot, crying, “Take it—this arrow is from me; I am the Ghifārī lad!” Some of those present said, “His reward has been nullified, for he has boasted; ‘Indeed, Allah does not love every self-conceited boaster’ (Qur’an 31:18).” It is true that Allah does not love anyone who is self-admiring and vainglorious—except in time of war. Another man replied, “There is no harm in it.” A debate ensued until the Prophet ﷺ came out while they were arguing and exclaimed, “Subḥānallāh!”—glorifying Allah, who is exalted above every defect or shortcoming. Allah’s attributes are perfect in every respect: there is no deficiency in His knowledge, power, wisdom, or might; all of His qualities, majestic and exalted, are utterly complete.

He repeated, “Subḥānallāh! How can you dispute about this? There is no harm in a man being both praised and rewarded.” In other words, Allah will combine for him the good of this world and the next: in this life he is praised as a brave, skillful archer, and in the Hereafter he is rewarded by Allah. Therefore, there is nothing blameworthy in what he did.